An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted bail to Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in connection with the D-Chowk protest case. Judge Abul Hasanat Zulqarnain issued the order on Friday, following a case registered at the Kohsar police station in Islamabad. The court approved bail against surety bonds of Rs20,000 each, allowing the former prime minister’s sisters to be released from custody.
Aleema and Uzma Khan were arrested on October 4, 2024, along with other PTI leaders during the party’s anti-government demonstration in the capital. The protest, part of PTI’s broader campaign for judicial independence and Imran Khan’s release, led to multiple arrests. The case, filed at Kohsar Police Station, involves 16 charges, including provisions related to terrorism.
Court Delays and Record Submission Issues
The court proceedings experienced multiple delays due to missing case records. During the bail hearing, the prosecution was unable to provide the necessary documents, leading the ATC to adjourn the case twice. PTI’s legal team, led by Advocate Niazullah Niazi and Barrister Salman Safdar, voiced frustration over the delays.
Barrister Safdar, arguing in favor of bail, emphasized three primary points: the defendants were women, lacked direct involvement in any conspiracy, and faced general charges. “The absence of records reflects poorly on the prosecution,” he noted, warning that if delays persisted, he would escalate the bail plea to a higher court.
Following the court’s bail orders, PTI’s lawyers departed the Judicial Complex to facilitate the release of Aleema and Uzma Khan. A mandamus, the court’s official release directive, was taken to the jail to complete the process.
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